Local community flocks to Ecco Ripley for second footy clinic

BIG TURNOUT: The Ecco Ripley Footy Clinic was a big success with the local community.Contributed

SEKISUI House's second Ecco Ripley Footy Clinic, held Sunday September 17, was a roaring success, attracting more than 500 people from the local and surrounding region.

Hosted in partnership with the Ipswich Jets, the free footy clinic saw upwards of 235 children aged from five to 15 years registered to participate in the program for developing the basic skills to play rugby league.

The budding young footy hopefuls had the chance to connect with local football clubs in preparation for next year's season.

Ecco Ripley Community Development Manager Sarah Hardie said the event was heavily focused on grassroots football and harnessed the strong sense of community at Ecco Ripley.

"Sunday (September 17) brought the local and regional communities together providing a great opportunity for everyone to get involved in a day of fun and sport.

"The number of participants and spectators from Ipswich and greater Brisbane exceeded all expectations, and we couldn't be more delighted with the result.”

Ipswich Jets CEO Jason Cubit said the event was a great opportunity for young people to learn the ins and outs of rugby league.

"The Ecco Ripley Footy Clinic is a great stepping stone to engage more young people to get involved in the sport,” Mr Cubit said.

"Attendees were able to speak to local football clubs, have their questions answered, and develop a stronger understanding of the game, all whilst having a whole lot of fun.”

The day was enjoyed by the entire family with a jumping castle, facing painting and the inaugural Ipswich Jets v Ecco Ripley Rangers touch football game, which saw a large crowd of friends and family cheer the kids over the line as they beat the Ipswich Jets.

The Ecco Ripley Rangers, a team of 12 children, stood out from the crowd in their Ecco Ripley Rangers jerseys, provided by the T-Shirt Mill, who were happy to support such a great community activity.

To conclude the event, a 2018 family season pass to the Brisbane Broncos was won by Danielle and her family from local Ipswich suburb Blackstone.

The Ecco Ripley Footy Clinic raised $550 for ALARA QLD Limited, which provides support services for people with a disability and their families living within the local region.

If you would like to see all the photos and video from the event, visit the Ecco Ripley Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eccoripley.